The University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) Overview
・Established in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin
・Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
・Member of the Ivy League
・Undergraduate enrollment: approximately 10,000 students
・International students: about 13%
Program
・Start date: September (Fall Semester)
・Tuition (2023-24):
- Tuition: ~$56,212
- Room & Board: ~$17,888
- Total cost including fees: ~$85,738/year
・Financial Aid:
- Need-blind admission process
- Meets 100% of demonstrated financial need
- No loans for families making less than $65,000
- Average grant: $54,000
Main Schools:
①College of Arts and Sciences
・Over 50 majors across humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences
・Flexible curriculum with interdisciplinary opportunities
②School of Engineering and Applied Science
・Multiple engineering disciplines
・Distinguished for entrepreneurship and innovation
③The Wharton School (Business)
・World's first collegiate business school
・21 concentrations available
④School of Nursing
・Only Ivy League institution offering nursing education
・Direct entry BSN program
Application Requirements
○Required Documents
・Common Application or Coalition Application
・School Report and Transcript
・Teacher Recommendations (2)
・Counselor Recommendation
・Mid-year Report
・Final Report
・TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo (for international students)
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 100
- IELTS: Minimum 7.0
- Duolingo: Minimum 120
・SAT/ACT (Optional for 2024-25)
Essays
1) Common Application/Coalition Application Essay
2) Penn-Specific Essays:
When answering these prompts, be precise when explaining both why you are applying to Penn and why you have chosen to apply to that specific undergraduate school. Some of our specialized programs will have additional essays to complete, but the Penn short answer prompts should address your single-degree or single-school choice.
(1) Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words, only required for first-year applicants)
(2) How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words)
(3) The school-specific prompt is unique to the school to which you are applying. (For example, all applicants applying to the College of Arts and Sciences will respond to the prompt under the “College of Arts and Sciences” section). Considering the undergraduate school you have selected for your single-degree option, please respond to your school-specific prompt below.
Deadlines
Early Decision:
・Deadline: November 1
Regular Decision:
・Deadline: January 5
Notable Features
・College House System
・Penn Integrates Knowledge Professors
・Career outcomes:
- Strong Wall Street recruitment
- Top graduate/professional schools
- Entrepreneurship opportunities
- Consulting firms
・Benjamin Franklin's influence on curriculum
Campus Life
・11 College Houses
・450+ student organizations
・33 varsity sports teams
・Urban campus setting
・Penn traditions:
- Hey Day
- Spring Fling
- Penn Relays
・Cultural centers and resources
・Penn Museum
・Kelly Writers House